Convener: John, Mauri
Participants: Stephanie
Location: Room 26
Session Date: March 3, 2005 Thursday
Session Time: 9:15am - 11:45am
No photos were taken during this session. These notes were taken from the 3 flip charts recorded at the session.
Note: This session was combined with Mauri's session on Techniques, Evaluation since it covered many of the same items and the goals of the sessions were similar.
Introduction
One of the ways to enhance and share the concept of Project Retrospectives is to promote the work that is being done in the community. One of the best ways to do this is to publish our experiences about using retrospectives on various types of projects. This session will explore the possible ways of publishing the community's experiences with retrospectives and to possibly create collaborations so that these experiences and data can be shared with Mauri and his research on Project Retrospectives.
Goal of Session
Discuss ways to promote Project Retrospectives for the community and find a way to get case study and retrospective data to Mauri for his thesis research.
Possibilities
We discussed the types of publications that could be generated that would generate further interest in project retrospectives from the IT, MIS and Software Development communities.
Case Studies (some different types needed)
White Papers
Ancedotal Reports
Benefits Paper
Lessons Learned Paper
Presentations at conferences, meetings, groups (both formal and informal)
Things Needed by the Community - Audience for these Publications
One of the things Stephanie pointed out was the importance of having an experience report or a reference paper so that individuals wishing to introduce retrospectives could show their respective managers. Obviously if the paper was focused towards a mid-level manager it would help the person who is trying to introduce the practice into their organization.
Some basic papers on Project Retrospectives already exists (Esther, Ellen, Diana all have some published papers on the topic).
Other Factors To Consider
One other factor limiting interest in this area is that many in the retrospective community are not aware of how to publish a good qualititive and or quantitative study in this area. Mauri stated that he has access to individuals at the university and his research advisor who can help potential authors in the area of good study design. John pointed out that many consultants may not find this activity a good use of time or a good return on writing time.
Mauri Presentation
Mauri showed the Retrospectives Evaluation Template (RET) and a draft of his paper which needs supporting data. The RET might be a great way to catalog all techniques used in Project Retrospectives. This format could be turned into a handbook and could serve as a library tool for newer facilitators.
Other Ways To Publicize
*Self Publicize - tell others about the benefits of retrospectives
Request
We encourage that individuals who read this site volunteer your information and experiences about Project Retrospectives to Mauri. He can keep your company name anonymous but still use the data for his research.